SEARCH RESULTS: 2024
Myojoji Temple
In the most southern region of the Noto Peninsula, Hakui City was a center of power for centuries. Up the coast from the Chirihama Beach on a small peninsula is both Noto Ichinomiya Shrine, the former head shrine for the Noto District, and Myojoji Temple, one of the top four temples for Zen Buddhism historically. The grounds have many original buildings from the 1600s that make for a surprise in the Japanese countryside. In 1294, Nichizo, one of the followers of the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, founded the temple after many trials and tribulations. The temple as it is today was built and expanded under the reign of the Maeda […]
Chirihama Beach
The mainland of Japan is generally not know for its beaches but Chirihama Beach is one of those exceptions. It is most famous for the quality of the sand that allows it to be compacted and driven over, making it unique. There are plenty of places to park along so its easy to stop by and check it out even as a place that Driving isn’t the only thing you can do at the beach, you can, of course, swim in the ocean anywhere along the 8 kilometers of “driveway.” There are places to eat along the way, too, so it can be easy to relax, enjoy and spend a […]
Echizen Matsushima
The northwest coast of Fukui is full of dramatic and interesting rock formation, including the famous Tojinbo Cliffs and Oshima Island. Another part of this beautiful shoreline is Echizen Matsushima, the least visited part of the area. The same volcanic activity that created the other famous sights was at work here. You can walk through the giant rocks in the ocean that seems otherworldly while popping into caves that humans have been using for thousands of years. In the nearby area there are a couple of other attractions that are within walking that can make Echizen Matsushima a solid half day of exploration. 13 to 14 million years ago a […]
Oshima Island
The northwest part of Fukui prefecture is famous for its dramatic coast, especially the Tojinbo Cliffs. Close by is Oshima Island with some equally impressive cliffs and rock formations. It isn’t just the shape of the land that is attractive but what is on it. The island also has a forest of unique trees often found in more tropical locations. The history of Oshima is quite interesting and as you walk across the bridge you can truly feel that you walking onto a sacred island. If you are in heading to Fukui and Tojinbo, don’t forgot to stop by Oshima, too! This island has been an important part of the […]
Fukui Castle
A new stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Fukui is now easily accessible for everyone from Tokyo and Osaka. A short distance from the station is Fukui Castle, the former center of daimyo rule by the Matsudaira Family. The walls are from the Edo period and are quite impressive against the giant moat around them. Today the inside of the castle is still the center of power in the region as it is unusually home to the current prefectural government and police headquarters. The sight of the most powerful people in the prefecture occupying the same location as rulers past is quite the juxtaposition. There are some interesting bridges that have […]
Amaharashi Coast
The Bay of Toyama stretches 147 kilometers across Toyama prefecture, which beautiful views of the mountains no matter where you are. In the western part of the prefecture, in the city of Takaoka is probably the most famous part of the coastline, written in poems over a thousand years ago. A short train ride from Takaoka and Shin-Takaoka Station, you can see the impressive view for yourself any time of the year, although it is best from December to April. The cafes and restaurants around the area can make it a good half day to explore the area and see the stunning landscape thoroughly. The beauty of this area has […]
Gokayama
Often overshadowed by Shirakawago, Gokayama is the other half of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is focused on the preservation of the gassho-zukuri thatched roof houses. It is made up of three separate villages that each have their own feel, activities and shops. Unlike Shirakawago, Gokayama allows you to participate in local crafts such as paper making, kokiriko instrument making and soba making. It is also less crowded so it is easier to get that perfect shot of the thatched roof houses without worrying as much about the mass of tourists ruining your picture. Enjoy the seclusion of a village that has stood against the harsh climate to leave […]
Inami – Woodcarving Town
A small town nestled up next to the mountains, Inami punches far above its weight. This town is famous for being the center of traditional woodcarving in Japan. There are over 100 workshops throughout the village and as you walk around you can pop into most of them at your own pleasure. If you’re interested in learning a bit of the art yourself, there are a few workshops where you can try your hand. One of the ‘masterpieces’ of the woodcarvers of the town is Zuisenji Temple, where you can see the amazing techniques on full display. A hidden gem in western Toyama, Inami is perfect for those searching for […]
Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum
Located right next to the beautiful and popular Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum is a convenient place to spend a few hours enjoying contemporary Japanese art, refreshments and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. To reach the museum, visitors arriving at Hakone station should take the Hakone Tozan Sightseeing bus to the Motohakone bus stop. The journey will take approximately 35 minutes depending on traffic and how busy the bus is. The Museum is open all week from 9am – 5pm. The museum opened to the public in 1998. It is a private museum with an extensive collection of over 4,000 pieces of contemporary art from Japanese artists […]